Step/balance apparatus

ABSTRACT

A Step/Balance Apparatus, typically used for exercise and aerobic training, is characterized by the structure including a pillow disposed on the top surface, whereby the user not only obtains the benefit of step exercise but also additionally strengthens the muscles of the calves and inner thighs because the pillow causes the user&#39;s weight and center of gravity to shift as steps are made. The pillow top may be constructed from a variety of materials such as, for example, a flexible covering filled with foam, fluid, or a granular material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a step/balance apparatus typically usedby individuals at home and in training centers as an exercise device. Auser, alternating his or her feet, steps onto and off the apparatus forthe purpose of strengthening the leg muscles and providing aerobicexercise. The apparatus of this invention is unique in that the topsurface of the step comprises a “pillow.” Use of the term “pillow” todescribe the present invention is intended to define a soft, flexible,cushion-like material that will flex, give, and deflect when the weightof a user is placed thereon. Thus, the present invention not onlyprovides step exercise, but also more thoroughly exercises the musclesof the calves and thighs of the user because the user's center ofgravity will shift as the pillow deforms with each step. In fact, theuser's sense of balance and ability to maintain his or her balance willalso be improved by use of this invention.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Patent literature, non-patent literature, and commercially availablestep exercisers are quite well known in the prior art. One type of stepexerciser might be more correctly referred to as a stair step machine,for such devices actually provide two, separate and moveable platformsfor each foot of the user so that, in use, one basically feels as if heor she is climbing a set of stairs. These devices typically includemeans for adjusting the resistance provided by each step.

A second form of step exerciser, more closely related to the structureof this invention, basically comprises a raised platform onto which theuser steps with alternating feet. These static step devices typicallyinclude means for adjusting the height of the step by the provision ofremovably attachable elements for the purpose of increasing ordecreasing the distance from the top of the step surface to thesupporting surface on which the user stands. Some prior art devices ofthe static type have even included spring-type supports for the step topsurface.

However, there remains a need in the art for a static step apparatusthat not only provides general exercise and aerobic training, but alsosimple, efficient means whereby the user's center of gravity may shiftand change with each step for the purpose of enhancing not only theuser's sense of balance, but also for enhancing the muscular exerciseexperienced when using such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The step/balance apparatus of this invention comprises a substantiallystandard static step exercise device and is characterized by theprovision of a relatively soft and deformable pillow disposed on the topof the apparatus, the pillow actually being engaged by the user's feet.While the structure of the pillow of this invention is more particularlyset forth hereinafter, it basically comprises a flexible coveringcontaining a deformable material such that, with each step of the user,the user's center of gravity shifts.

The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessingthe features, properties, and the relation of elements which will beexemplified in the articles hereinafter described, and the scope of theinvention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of thestep/balance apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 depicting a user'sfoot contacting the pillow.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4 depicting theuser's foot deflecting the pillow.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of thestep/balance apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a left side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 depicting theuser's foot contacting the pillow.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 9 depicting a user'sfoot deflecting the pillow.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the views of FIGS. 1-5, a first preferred embodiment of thestep/balance apparatus of this invention is generally indicated as 20.As shown in FIGS. 1-3, apparatus 20 comprises a top 22, a bottom 24, afront side 26, back side 28, left side 30, and right side 32. The viewsof FIGS. 1 and 2 further illustrate that apparatus 20 may also comprisea plurality of risers 34, one or more of which may be disposed beneathbottom 24 for the purpose of increasing the distance between top 22 andthe support surface (not shown) on which apparatus 20 is placed. Whilefour such risers 34 are shown in the view of FIG. 1, any number,including none, of risers 34 may be used in combination with apparatus20.

Top 22, bottom 24, front side 26, back side 28, left side 30, and rightside 32 are preferably formed from a substantially rigid material suchas, for example, plastic, and may be molded in a single piece. However,the scope of the present invention is not to be limited thereby.According to well known construction techniques, a variety of rigidmaterials may be used for these elements, and they may be formed asseparate elements and appropriately attached one to another. Thus, thesestructural elements may be formed from, for example, not only plasticsbut also wood, metal, or fiberglass.

Also shown in the view of FIGS. 1-3 is the pillow, generally indicatedas 36, disposed on top 22 of apparatus 20. The exposed surface of pillow36, perhaps best seen in the view of FIG. 3, preferably comprises anon-skid surface as indicated by the crosshatching of FIG. 3.

Referring to the sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5, additionalconstruction details may be seen. Pillow 36 comprises a flexiblecovering 38, and disposed within the volume defined by flexible covering38 is a non-rigid material. In this apparatus 20, the non-rigid materialmay comprise, for example, a fluid (including, without limitation, gels)or granular material 40.

The views of FIGS. 4 and 5 schematically illustrate a shoe 42 of a user(not shown) being placed onto covering 38 of pillow 36, as indicated bydirectional arrow A, and the deflection of material 40 contained withincovering 38 of pillow 36 when the weight of the user (not shown)transfers to pillow 36, as indicated by directional arrow B.

Still referring to the sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5, one can seethat top 22 of apparatus 20 comprises a relieved portion 44, and thatrelieved portion 44 is dimensioned and configured to receive pillow 36therein. Thus, pillow 36 is operatively “attached” to apparatus 20 bydisposing pillow 36 within relived portion 44. Pillow 36 may bepermanently affixed within relieved portion 44 using, for example, anadhesive. Alternatively, pillow 36, may simply be loosely placed withinrelieved portion 44. As yet another alternative, pillow 36 may beremovably attached to top 22 within relieved portion 44 using knownfasteners such as, for example, snaps, magnets, or even hook and loopfasteners.

While the sectional views of FIGS. 4 and 5 also illustrate the presenceof a void 46 within the interior of apparatus 20, it is to be understoodthat this is only for purposes of illustrating this first preferredembodiment for apparatus 20. As previously discussed above, while thepreferred embodiment may be molded from plastic, resulting in theformation of a void 46, this is not to be interpreted as limiting thescope of the present invention.

Turning to the views of FIGS. 6-10, a second preferred embodiment isgenerally indicated as 50. The individual elements of apparatus 50,where identical to those of apparatus 20, have been identified byidentical reference numerals. The primary difference between apparatus50 and apparatus 20 is that pillow 36 of apparatus 50 comprises aresilient, deformable material such as, for example, foam 52. Foam 52may be either natural or synthetic, and the term “foam” is intended toencompass and define known like materials that exhibit physicalcharacteristics of resilience, deformability, and memory for return toits original state.

Having thus set forth constructions for a first embodiment of apparatus20 and a second embodiment of apparatus 50, one can appreciate thebenefits obtainable through use of either apparatus 20 or 50. Not onlywill one obtain the rather “standard” benefit of step-exercising, butalso one will obtain additional exercise of the muscles of the calf andinner thigh, resulting primarily from the shifting of the user's centerof gravity occasioned by the shifts and rolls of pillow 36 as depictedin the views of FIGS. 4, 5, 9 and 10.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, andsince certain changes may be made in the above article without departingfrom the scope of the invention, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall there between.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. A step/balance apparatus of the type primarily used for exercise andaerobic training, said apparatus comprising: a top, a bottom oppositesaid top, opposed front and back sides interconnecting said top and saidbottom, and opposed left and right sides interconnecting said top andsaid bottom; said top further comprising a pillow disposed thereon, saidpillow being formed from a non-rigid material.
 2. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pillow is attached to said top.
 3. An apparatus asin claim 1 wherein said pillow is removably attached to said top.
 4. Anapparatus as in claim 1 wherein said top, said bottom, said front andback sides and said left and right sides are formed from a substantiallyrigid material, and said top comprises a relieved portion dimensionedand configured to receive said pillow therein.
 5. An apparatus as inclaim 4 wherein said pillow is attached to said top within said relievedportion.
 6. An apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said pillow is removablyattached to said top within said relieved portion.
 7. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pillow comprises an exposed non-skid surface.
 8. Anapparatus as in claim 7 wherein said non-rigid material comprises aflexible covering containing a foam.
 9. An apparatus as in claim 7wherein said non-rigid material comprises a flexible covering containinga fluid.
 10. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said non-rigid materialcomprises a flexible covering containing a granular material.
 11. Anapparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of risers, eachone of said risers being removably attachable to said bottom, wherebythe distance of said top from a support surface on which said apparatusis placed may be varied.